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How to install and seal a timber benchtop

The image shows a kitchen timber island benchtop neatly installed on a tiled floor.

Overview

Timber benchtops bring a warm, natural charm to any kitchen. With the right installation and proper sealing, they’ll look fantastic and perform well for years to come. Whether you're upgrading your space or completing a new kitchen build, this guide will walk you through how to install and seal your timber benchtop with confidence. .

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Check your cabinets are level

Before you install your timber benchtop, it’s essential to ensure your base cabinets are completely level. Run a spirit level along the top of the cabinets to check for flatness. If any areas are off, adjust the cabinet legs or add packers underneath until you achieve a stable and level surface. This is crucial to prevent your timber benchtop from moving or warping over time.
A person is using a spirit level along the top of the cabinets to check for flatness.

2Dry fit the benchtop

Position your benchtop on the cabinets to check how it sits. Look for clean joins between sections and make sure the overhang is consistent along the front edge, around 20mm is ideal. This is the time to spot and adjust any minor inconsistencies before you commit to trimming or fixing it in place.

A Bunnings Team Member is positioning the benchtop on the cabinets to check how it sits.

3Trim to size if necessary

If your benchtop needs trimming, mark your cutting line carefully using a sharp knife to avoid splintering the timber. Clamp a straight edge to guide your saw, and use a circular saw to make the cut from the underside of the benchtop. This helps achieve a cleaner finish.

If you're working around corners or need to create cut-outs for appliances or sinks, use a jigsaw to carefully follow the contours. Remember to offset your circular saw appropriately to maintain accuracy.

A person is using a circular saw to to make the cut from the underside of the benchtop.

4Install L-brackets for support

In sections where the cabinets don’t have a built-in support rail, it’s important to create a stable fixing point. Attach L-brackets to the back edge of the cabinet carcass. These will help anchor the benchtop securely and prevent any movement or lifting at the rear.
A person is using a power drill to install L-brackets for support.

5Pre-drill through support rails

With the L-brackets in place, move on to pre-drilling the support rails of the cabinets. Drill pilot holes upwards where the benchtop will be fixed later. Make these holes slightly oversized to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the timber over time. This will help reduce the risk of splitting and movement.
A person is using a power drill to drill a hole into the support rail of the cabinet.

6Sand the benchtop surface

Start by sanding the entire surface of the timber benchtop using 120 grit sandpaper. This will smooth out any rough patches and open the timber grain to allow better absorption of the sealant. Once sanding is complete, vacuum the benchtop thoroughly or use a clean brush or cloth to remove all dust and debris. A clean, dust-free surface is essential for achieving a smooth, even finish when sealing.
A Bunnings Team Member is sanding the entire surface of the timber benchtop with a sanding block, preparing it for installation.

7Apply the first coat of sealant

With the surface now prepared, apply a timber oil or food-safe sealant using a clean cloth or paint roller. Work in long, even strokes along the direction of the timber grain to highlight its natural beauty and ensure uniform coverage. Make sure to coat the entire surface evenly, including around the edges and into any joins or seams, for full protection.
A person wearing orange gloves is applying a first coat of sealant to a wooden benchtop using a paint roller.

8Fix the benchtop in place

Once the food-safe sealant is dry and the surface is ready, carefully reposition the benchtop on the cabinets. Align it properly, then secure it using the pre-drilled holes and screws. Take care not to overtighten the screws, allowing the timber some room to breathe and move naturally over time.
A person is using a power drill to secure a screw inside a cabinet to position the benchtop on the cabinets.

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Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.